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ZOOLOGY. 



The extent to which the importation of sperm oil 

 into England, by our colonies of New South Wales 

 and Halifax, has increased, during ten years, from 1827 

 to 1836, is exhibited in the following account; for 

 which, as well as for all the more important commer- 

 cial details of this fishery, I am indebted to the kind- 

 ness of Enderby, Esq. 



The consumption of sperm oil in this country, (where 

 its use is limited to burning in patent lamps and lu- 

 bricating machinery,) although influenced by high and 

 low prices, has gradually increased, and is now greater 

 than at any former period. The very general adoption 

 of gas for the purpose of illumination, and which might 

 reasonably be expected to lessen the demand for oil, has 

 not had that effect on the contrary, it would appear 

 that the increased light of the shops and streets ra- 

 ther induces persons to add to their domestic illumina- 

 tion in a proportionate degree. The great and progres- 

 sive extent, also, to which steam-machinery is employed, 

 must ever ensure a corresponding demand for this 

 valuable commodity. The following is a statement 

 of the prices of sperm oil in the London market, at 

 specified periods of the fishery : 



